Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria recently spoke out against the recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine under Metropolitan Epifaniy, describing it as “non-canonical.” In a statement to journalists, he emphasized that “eleven of the fifteen local Orthodox churches have not recognized” this ecclesiastical body, which was established in 2019. The Patriarch’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions within the global Orthodox community regarding the legitimacy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Patriarch Daniel also expressed deep concern about recent legislative developments in Ukraine. “The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a law providing for the closure of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is the only canonical Orthodox Church,” he noted, referring to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate. He questioned the implications of such actions, asking, “When the state passes a law to close their canonical church, then what do we have left?” His comments, widely reported by Bulgarian media, underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for Orthodox Christians in Ukraine.
In addition to his remarks, Patriarch Daniel presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. John of Rila, where he addressed a congregation of believers. In his sermon, the Patriarch spoke about the enduring power of faith and urged the faithful to pray for those affected by the current challenges facing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate. “Let us pray earnestly for the Lord to strengthen our brothers and sisters from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, to enlighten the politicians, and for peace to prevail in the Ukrainian land. End this war, this fratricide,” he implored.
